Hot Topics:

Get Screened for Alzheimers
Disease if You Experience
Memory Problems

Alzheimers disease is a chronic brain disease that accounts for at least 40 percent to 60 percent of all dementias. It is characterized by progressive deterioration of memory, language, motor skills, perception and activities of daily living. It can also be associated with depression, insomnia, delusions and hallucinations.
Nearly one out of 10 Americans over the age of 65 is thought to have Alzheimers, with the number climbing to one of two by the age of 80. Risk factors include age and family history of early-onset Alzheimers.
Ruth Kandel, M.D., director of the Outpatient Memory Disorders Clinic at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, says there are a number of reasons to screen for Alzheimers disease, including early treatment, patient safety, caregiver stress, and established patient health routines.
You should consider being screened for Alzheimers if you:

• Misplace items frequently.
• Have difficulty finding words.
• Get lost easily.
• Have memory loss that affects your ability to function.
• Have difficulty performing daily tasks.
• Repeatedly ask the same question.
• Show poor or decreased judgment.
• Suffer behavior or mood changes.
• Become disoriented to time and place easily.

It is important to see a clinician familiar with cognitive disorders to have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan started, says Dr. Kandel.